the demonstrator story

INCEPTION

Once upon a time, in the heart of our vibrant neighbourhood, there stood a music venue that had been resurrected from the ashes of an old business.

Folklore Hoxton had been running for five years when its founders began thinking about how they could give back to the community.

FOUNDING FOLKLORISTS

Folklore Hoxton was started by two folklorists, and by 2018, they were on the lookout for people to join them in weaving the next part of their story.

THE MAGIC WEAVERS

Among those drawn to the vibrant energy of Folklore Hoxton were scholars shaping philosophy, artists painting visions of unity, activists advocating for change, and storytellers weaving tales of interconnectedness.

These weavers were welcomed into Folklore Hoxton to write a new chapter.

Together, the folklorists and the weavers saw the potential for something greater than a music venue—a community united by a shared vision of connection and creativity.

As we gathered around makeshift tables and shared our dreams for the future, the idea of Folklore Futures began to take shape. It was not just a music venue; it was a movement—a movement to create a world underpinned by universal interconnectedness.

THE BIRTH OF 3C

Inspired by the belief that all beings are interconnected, we envisioned (3C) grounded in the philosophy of Cosmopraxis. Through collaborative workshops, philosophical discussions, and artistic expressions, we invited others to join us on this path of rediscovery and transformation.

With Cosmopraxis as our guiding light, we embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between individuals, society, and the planet. Through our collective efforts, we sought to create a space where everyone could feel a sense of belonging and connection.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

The road to creating Folklore Futures was not without its challenges. In a world dominated by two-dimensional thinking, communicating our vision proved to be an uphill battle. But through the power of art and storytelling, we found a way to transcend barriers and inspire others to embrace our vision of interconnectedness.

Funding hurdles threatened to derail our progress, but with resilience and innovation, we forged ahead, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. For us, funding was not just about numbers—it was about nurturing connections and fostering a sense of community.

EARLY DAYS AND EVOLUTION

In the early days of Folklore Futures, it was just a handful of passionate individuals, united by a shared belief in the power of creativity to spark change. But as word spread and the community grew, so too did our impact.

Lottery funding in 2020 for Folklore Futures and Arts Council funding for Folklore Hoxton provided a much-needed boost, allowing us to weather the storm of the pandemic and emerge stronger than ever. With each passing day, Folklore Futures continued to evolve, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who crossed our threshold.

OUR DEMONSTRATOR

Over a period of four years, we tested and piloted many aspects of 3C.

From four people living together in a Contributive Commonwealth to hosting over 400 Cultural Confluence events and workshops, to building partnerships with hundreds of artists, we planted the seed for Cosmic Pulse.

During this time, we built partnerships with local businesses and national charities, and we have truly made our mark on the community.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Initiatives like pay-it-forward food, free rehearsal space, and creative workshops have brought people together in ways we never thought possible, fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration that continues to thrive to this day.

LEGACY

Although our building is not sufficiently large enough for us to house a full-scale sustainable 3C within its walls, we wanted to leave a legacy behind that would serve as a continuous reminder of our work together.

With the support of some architecture students, we have developed an idea for a single-story extension, which would either act as temporary accommodation for young people or as three artist workshops.

Ongoing discussions are being held with the council, funders, and stakeholders to determine the most viable option.